James 1: 19-27 - thoughts
V.19 - This verse always convicts me. I'm a "talker". I need to be a better listener. The following verse speaks of anger. I think James is primarily referring in v 19 to becoming angry. When we find ourselves in situations where the natural outcome would be to become angry... we need to slow down, listen to both sides of the story and seek God's righteousness in our response.
V. 22 - this is great summary verse for the next paragraph. How many times do we read the word, or hear something convicting our pastor or teacher and then find ourselves making the same mistakes because we didn't implement what we've just learned. When we approach the word, we need to be ready to listen or quick to listen... and then we NEED to listen, so we can take what we've heard and put it into practice. We should do this with a spirit of humility (v. 21).
V. 25. We should continue looking to the Word for guidance in our daily lives. The Word/ Law gives freedom. If we stay IN the Word... we'll be blessed in what we do. Because... our blessings will come from God, our focus will be eternal, our life will be without guilt. This blessing may not be considered blessing by the worlds eyes, but will be eternally reaped. So what's our true religion then? After seeking God, being IN his Word, Listening AND implementing... Our works should demonstrate to the world that we have been changed, that we are different... that we ARE a new creation. We must not become so busy doing church that we forget to BE the church (V. 27). We must keep a tight reign on our tongues and avoid gossip and slander (v. 26). We must keep our ways pure. If not... Our religion is just that... religion... worthless... meaningless... and not only that... the watching world will dismiss it all.
Created about 3 years ago
